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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:35:27 GMT -5
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:39:05 GMT -5
The Suicide Squad
Annual #1"Burning Down the House" Part One
Written by John Elbe
Cover by Dr. Dread
Edited by Brian Burchette |
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:42:06 GMT -5
Suicide Notes:
Normally I would use this space to recap events that have occurred in previous issues of the Suicide Squad or give you a rundown of who’s who in the Suicide Squad. This time I plan to do neither of those things because this issue is special. Instead I will clarify a few continuity issues that will clear up where this issue fits in.
The Annual begins eighteen months before the current storyline that started in issue #9. (the current storyline will return in May) If you have read the series from the beginning you may notice that some scenes look familiar as the story progresses. You would be correct because the story weaves back and forth through previous events. Some of these events become clearer while others are from a different point of view revealing what the big picture was all along.
If you never read an issue before and this is your first, have no fears because you don’t need to have any previous knowledge of the series to read this issue. But once it’s over you might want to go back and check out what happened on the other side. Nothing ever happened without a reason and certain clues were there from the beginning…
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:43:29 GMT -5
“Watch out you might get what you're after
Cool baby strange but not a stranger
I'm an ordinary guy
Burning down the house…
…All wet hey you might need a raincoat
Shakedown dreams walking in broad daylight
Three hundred sixty five degrees
Burning down the house.”
The Talking Heads- “Burning Down the House”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:45:06 GMT -5
Prelude-
18 months ago:
Qurac-
The palace of Sayid Marlo
Sayid Marlo stood in the palace courtyard. As he glanced to his left he could see the Sarawat Mountains over the courtyard wall. Without turning around he spoke to the man seated behind him. “I feel like a prisoner in my own home. I am a man without a country.”
“The Saudis will continue to fight you until Qurac is dissolved back into Saudi Arabia and your declaration of freedom for Qurac will be a distant memory in the worlds eyes.” The man spoke.
“Yes I believe you are correct. It seems that the Saudi King and the President of South Africa are meeting later today to discuss plans to trade oil in exchange for financial support in the war against my people.” Marlo turned to face the man, “And here you are, an American right here in my home offering help to ensure that Qurac becomes an independent nation. But you do not seek oil in return. Are you sure that you are American?”
“The people I represent understand that an independent Qurac holds more value then just the oil under its land. We are looking for political allies in our war against America.”
Sayid Marlo laughed as he sat down across from the man. “You seek to make war against your own country and you turn to us?”
“Mr. Marlo, we recognize that it was a bold move, striking against your native country to return your land to greatness. Our goals are quiet similar in that regard. And with our assistance we can ensure that you achieve not only your independence but also a position of power recognized the world over.”
“And if I agree to this, what boon would your people require from myself and Qurac?”
“If you agree I can ensure you that Qurac will have it’s independence within five months and the world will embrace its newest member into the Unite Nations. Once those things take place, all that we would ask for in return, is support when we are ready to liberate America from the tyranny that has suppressed us for far too long.” The man said before holding out his hand to Marlo.
Marlo reached out and shook his hand. “We have a deal my crazy American friend.”
The man smiled, “And as head of the Council and the new American Revolution, let me be the first to shake hands with the new President of Qurac.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:46:34 GMT -5
17 months ago:
Gotham City-
Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. Oscar Wilde may have said it but Noah Kuttler has lived to understand its meaning. Enshrined in a glass case in the middle of the room was a constant reminder that you must learn from past mistakes if you want to embrace your true destiny.
He stepped away from the computer monitor and adjusted his wireless headset. He walked over and stood in front of the glass case. Inside was a purple costume with a giant keypad on the chest and an LCD visor on the helmet. The absurd looking outfit stood as a reminder that mistakes should be a positive thing, if used properly. As the Calculator he was nothing more then laughable when he went up against the likes of Batman or the Flash. But since those days are long past, he has found his true calling. He has gathered a virtual network of information to which he supplies to the criminal underworld for a fee.
Over the last several years he has provided his services to hundreds of various criminal elements from would be world conquerors, to petty costumed menaces whose only goals seem to be causing trouble to the superhero community. He has held true to a few basic rules, which has allowed him to be successful and maintain the respect he has earned over those years:
1) He would never sell information about a costumes hero’s family, friends, or anything that revealed a costumed heroes identity. It would be bad for business to have the heroes looking to extract revenge against those that went after the people they cared about.
2) He would never sell the same information to two different people. This meant that the various villains would not be able to use him if they choose to go up against each other in pursuit of the same goal.
3) If someone were caught they would never reveal that he had been the source of their information. This took longer to establish but if someone choose to disobey this rule they would face the consequences from the rest of the villain community that relied heavily on the information he supplied them. Fear of that has kept his identity virtually unknown and has allowed him to continue to operate freely without having to worry if Superman would fly through his window at any given moment.
4) He would never have dealings with someone again if they failed to make their payments. Some of his regular customers had automatic accounts set up in which he drew funds from regularly. Other chose to pay in advance for some of the more in-depth information that needed to be gathered. As long as they paid, his services would remain available.
On this particular day someone had decided to test rule number four.
“Calculator! Damn it man what are you waiting for!” The panicked man known as the Icicle screamed through Noah’s headset. “I am trapped in here and all turned around. I need to know how to get out of this building!”
Noah paused as he ran his fingers across the glass case before he turned around and walked over to the monitor at his desk. “The account number you provided appears to be overdrawn Cameron.”
“I told you I have money! I can get it to you if you get me out of here! I can’t go to jail again. It’s only a matter of time before they find me here.”
“I told you it wasn’t a good idea to rob a jewelry store in Central City in the first place. The rogues there don’t take kindly to young usurps moving in on their territory.”
“Screw them! I was the one that beat the Flash, which is more then I can say for that idiot Captain Cold.”
“Well the Flash should be there any second, so it doesn’t appear that you beat him this time.” Noah spoke as he heard a beep and noticed someone else was calling on the other line, “Oh and Cameron? My number has been removed from your cell. Don’t call when you get out of prison again because unlike you, that idiot Captain Cold pays his bills on time.”
“You son of a …” Noah hit a button that disconnected Icicle and opened up the other line.
“You are calling on a secure line.” Kuttler looked down and saw that the caller’s number came up unavailable, “I don’t do business with people I am unfamiliar with.”
“I was given this number because I was told that you provide certain unique services for a price.” The woman’s voice softly floated into Noah’s ears.
“That is correct lady. That one was free so the next one is going to cost you. But first why don’t you tell me who you are.”
“My name is Scandal Savage. I am contacting you on behalf of my Father.” Noah quickly typed in her name. Her profile came up blank but he cross-referenced the name Savage and came up with something that made him shudder. Glancing at the profile he sat up in his chair. This wasn’t the type of people he was used to dealing with.
“Vandal Savage is your father?” He spoke slowly.
“Yes. If you know my father then you know to take this offer seriously. He is prepared to pay you handsomely for the information you provide for him.”
“And what type of information is he seeking?” Noah asked nervously.
“He wants ‘around the clock’ surveillance on a man name Rick Flagg. His home, any known associates, and a facility called Belle Reve prison.”
Noah sat there for a moment and pondered the full scope of what she was asking, “You want 24-7 audio and visual surveillance including a maximum security prison? Guy must be important. That is something beyond the type of services I usually provide.”
“It appears that I may have been misinformed that you were the right man for the job.” Scandal replied.
“Hold on a minute. I didn’t say I couldn’t do it. But a job like this is going to be costly.”
“As I said, my father is prepared to pay handsomely.”
“And what is handsomely?” Noah asked.
“Two million dollars up front. And an additional three million once he has the information from Flagg that he requires.”
Noah shuddered again but took a deep breath as he attempted to hide the excitement in his voice. “Lady, tell your father we have a deal. When I’m done, Rick Flagg, he won’t be able to take a crap without your father knowing what he had for lunch.”
Scandal gruffed at his last comment, “Very well. I will be in contact with you soon to arrange payment.”
Noah nervously waited for her to hang up before he jumped out of his chair and began pacing the room. With this job he would finally make the big time. Something he had only dreamed about when he first decided to put on that ridiculous Calculator costume.
Thoughts began to race through his head. He sat back down at opened a file on his computer. He scrolled down a list of contacts until he came across the name he was looking for. Lyle Bolton, otherwise know as Lock-up, would be perfect. He quickly dialed the number and loosened his tie.
“What do you want Noah?” The man on the other end of the line snapped.
“How would you like to be rich Lyle?” Noah beamed.
“Being rich means having friends and I don’t like people, so get to the point.”
“I got a job for you that should provide you with enough money to avoid as many people as you like for quiet sometime. I need you to tap into the security system of Belle Reve prison. It pays half a million upon completion. Are you in?”
Noah could almost hear Lock-up smile through the digital phone line, “Oh yeah. I’m in.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:47:31 GMT -5
17 months ago:
It was a place known by many names, some of which include Paradise Ranch, Neverland, and the Box. But to most it most commonly referred to as Area 51. None of these names held any meaning to the woman being held captive several thousand feet below the Nevada desert. All she knew was that she had spent her entire life waiting to escape one prison, only to find that when that moment arrived, she quickly was forced into another. She had fought hard before she was captured, but ultimately she found that the forces she encountered were more powerful then she had ever been lead to believe. She swore to herself that if she ever escaped, she would not be taken down so easily… ever again.
She was bound in chains and the red lights that radiate her kept her weak and unable to break free. She had lost track of how long she had been there. Time had stood still. Only her rage and determination to escape kept her from giving in fully to her current situation.
There was a sound at her cell door. She refused to look up. From time to time someone would enter her cell and ask her questions, and in return they would leave her food and water to drink. If they thought they could break her in this way, they did not know where she came from. This wasn’t torture. One could not begin to understand torture until you looked in the eyes of Darkseid and laughed.
She heard the metal door finally swing open. She winced as the bright light from outside filled the room. She noticed there were two of them this time, as their footsteps came closer. She slowly looked up as one of them spoke while the other undid her restraints.
“Knockout? My name is Valentina Vostok and this is Lorraine Reilly. There is a woman named Amanda Waller who sent us here to rescue you.”
“You are not part of the group that imprisoned me here?” Knockout spoke as she looked down at the two smaller earth women in front of her.
“No. We are from a group called Task Force X. Amanda Waller discovered that they were holding you here against your will. She thought you might like to join us instead.”
“I am not one to be treated a fool and I will seek revenge against those that choose to bound me here.” Knockout rubbed her arms where the restrains had been moments ago. “But for now I am in your debt. Take me to this Amanda Waller.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:48:56 GMT -5
16 months ago:
Qurac-
The palace of Sayid Marlo
Wade Eling sat nervously as he watched the armed guards that stood around him. He was uncomfortable with the fact that the Council felt the need for him to meet face-to-face with Sayid Marlo and that Marlo had refused to meet with him outside of Qurac. He was told to find a resolution to the Captain Atom problem once and for all, so being here was a small price to pay to finding a solution to a much bigger problem.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Marlo announced as he entered the room, “I know you are scheduled to fly out to London, so I won’t hold you up any longer.”
“I take it that the package was received and is secured?” Eling asked as Marlo sat down across from him.
“Yes. Your American hero, Captain Atom is safely tucked away in a cell beneath what will soon be the capital building of Qurac.”
“I take it things are one schedule then?”
“Yes of course. It appears that the Saudis will back down soon, ensuring that Qurac will be an independent nation within the next several months. The head of your Council has held up his end of the bargain it seems.”
“Did you have your doubts?” Eling replied.
“Well before one crawls into bed with ones enemy it is always best to check under the sheets first, no?” Marlo laughed.
Eling forced a laugh as well. “And I take it you will be able to use Atom to end the war against the Saudis?”
“I think we can mange without using your ‘weapon’ for now. No, I prefer to keep him in my pocket, as you might say, to be used in case other forces choose to rise up against us; once we have fully separated from Saudi Arabia.” Marlo watched as Eling wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Don’t worry Eling you won’t have to be concerned about Captain Atom ever again, unless the snake under the sheets suddenly decides to show its fangs.”
End of Prelude…
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:52:01 GMT -5
PART ONE: “La Storia Di un Soldato” (The Story of a Soldier)
13 months ago:
Gotham City-
Noah Kuttler looked out the window and smiled. He had finally hit the big time. From the top floor of the R.H. Kane Building he could see all of Gotham City, or as much as one could through the pollution that filled the air. Thanks to the money he made from his deal with Vandal Savage, he had the bankroll to secure the top two floors of the third tallest building in Gotham City.
Yes, the view from the top was spectacular, but it was expensive. Over the last several months he continued to dip into his liquid assets to maintain the dummy business that secured his real operations in this building would go unnoticed. He had already spent the two million he was advanced from Savage to acquire the property. And though he was a patient person he was anxious to close the deal with Savage and receive the final payment of the three million dollars.
After the surveillance equipment had been set up in his new office, the Calculator piggybacked the live feeds so that he would be able to see and hear everything that Savage saw. His hope was that he would uncover what was so important about Rick Flagg, that Savage was willing to pay five million dollars to find out. What the Calculator immediately discovered upon viewing the feeds from Belle Reve intrigued him even more. It seemed that the government had a new dirty little secret in the form of a covert strike team called the Suicide Squad that used prisoners on missions with full deniability from the government. Had Vandal Savage been aware that Rick Flagg was part of this or was he as surprised as he had been when he found out? Or had this been Savages plan all along to spy on them and he never intended to pay the additional three million?
He had gone back over the recordings and it did appear that Savage spent quiet a bit of time watching Flagg but he also spent an equal amount watching Waller and the other members of the Squad. Noah didn’t like the idea of being used nor was he willing to let someone back out of a deal. But the truth was that Vandal Savage scared him. He didn’t like to admit it but he often found he was unable to stand up for himself when he felt intimidated by someone stronger willed then he was. Maybe that’s why he often looked to acquire power in other forms. He found that information was much more powerful then brute strength.
In the months since the deal had been made, he had only been in contact with his daughter, Scandal, never dealing with Vandal Savage directly. He was told not to make contact with either of them but maybe it was time to let them know he was a serious business man and not one to be taken lightly.
He adjusted his headset and cleared his throat. “Dial Savage, Scandal.” Withen seconds, the computer had made the call.
“Why are you calling Kuttler?” An obviously irate Scandal spoke.
“I thought I would check on our deal and see where things stood.” Noah said as he attempted to keep his voice strong.
“What would make you think that such a thing would be necessary? My father is a man of his word, and if he knew that you were questioning his integrity he would not be pleased.”
“I am not questioning his integrity but I hadn’t heard back from you in several months, and I was hoping for a status report.”
Scandal laughed. “Is that what you are asking? Or are you having doubts that my father has intentions on following through with his end of the bargain?”
“No! It is just hard for me to imagine that this Rick Flagg has anything of value beyond his involvement with the Suicide Squad.”
“So you’ve been watching as well it seems?”
Noah realized that comment might have been a mistake but he wasn’t about to let this woman intimidate him anymore. “Yes I’ve been watching, and I’ve seen enough to know that the information you and your father have access to is worth more then what was paid. The price has now doubled.”
Noah listened as he heard Scandal take a deep breath, “You are a brave man Noah Kuttler. A small and weak man, but brave none the less. For that I am willing to ignore that this conversation ever took place, and I won’t tell my father that you were rude to me. In return you will make no attempt to contact me or my father again until he wishes to do so. Understand?”
“Yeah.” Noah said reluctantly.
“Good. Then you are allowed to live.” Scandal said flippantly before hanging up.
Noah spun around in his chair and threw his headset across the room.
“I know there is more going on then that smug little bitch is letting on. Fine they want to play games then I will show them how to play!” Noah said turning all the monitors in his office to the Belle Reve feeds. He focused his attention on the monitor of Amanda Waller yelling at someone in a hallway, “Yes Mrs. Waller you are one bad ass aren’t you? I wonder what the U.S. government would be willing to pay to keep this little party of yours quiet.”
Noah suddenly felt rejuvenated and alive. It was time to get back to work. He had a new plan and would have to move quickly if he was going to pull it off.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:53:15 GMT -5
The following day…
SS 1-The Suicide Squad Transport Plane-
Somewhere across the Pacific Ocean
His given name was Kai. But several years ago he went through a rebirth of spirit while mastering the art of Judo and Jujutsu; soon after he adopted the name Hellhound. He was also a master thief but had been unable to best the Batman and found himself locked up in Belle Reve prison. Soon after he arrived he was given a chance to earn his freedom a little earlier then the courts had dictated by performing a dangerous mission with the Suicide Squad. He recognized the opportunity and quickly agreed. But he wasn’t a fool as he also recognized the potential danger of being involved with a group that proudly had suicide in its name. He would do as little as he had to and ensure he got out of the mission alive.
As he sat silently in his seat he glanced behind him and saw the man called Boomerang sharpening one of his weapons. The noise had begun to grate on his nerves. Boomerang recognized this and flashed him a smile as he continued. Hellhound said nothing as he slowly turned back around. He began to watch the other man seated next to him that he had the unfortunate pleasure to be paired up with, Signalman; another ridiculous costumed idiot. Hellhound couldn’t help but notice the man was fidgeting in his seat quiet a bit and had an equally ridiculous grin plastered across his face.
Hellhound finally couldn’t take it any longer. “Would you sit still?”
“Sorry.” Signalman responded, “I am just anxious is all.”
“What? Anxious to get yourself killed? You do realize you signed up for the Suicide Squad right? Not the freaking circus!”
“Oh I am fully aware of the situation we are facing dear sir. But I have something to look forward to once I am free again.” Signalman continued to grin.
“You’re telling me dressed like that, that you got a lady friend waiting for you?”
“Don’t be rude sir. No I have something worth much more. I have a secret. If you watch my back and we get out of here alive, I will cut you in for a share.”
“What makes you think I would be willing to watch out for you? Dressed like that you will be the first one they take out!”
Signalman leaned over closer to Hellhounds ear and whispered. “Once I get out of here I will be rich beyond my wildest dreams. I have one hundred million dollars in gold buried somewhere safe. See to it that I make it out unharmed and I will cut you in for half.”
“You don’t say?” Hellhound replied with a grin of his own, “Well then stick close, but not too close, and we’ll see what happens.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:55:15 GMT -5
Several hours later…Oran, Algeria-
An abandoned merchant marine base “Everyone take cover!” Rick Flagg yelled. The Squad had been ambushed before they knew what had hit them and they now found themselves bottlenecked inside a warehouse as hidden shooters took pot shots at them from all directions. “Deadshot shot someone goddamn it!” Hellhound stood back as bullets continued to fly in all directions. Resurrection Man quickly moved toward the front of the group. “Rick, get the squad out and I will provide a moving target for them to focus on.” It was a solid plan, as it appeared that Mitch Shelly’s latest powers had made his skin tough enough to withstand bullets. He had already taken several shots and appeared unharmed. Flagg handed him a gun and Mitch quickly ran toward the center of the warehouse. Flagg then ordered the Squad out. Once they were out of the warehouse they still had to deal with the shooters positioned across the rooftops but the stood a better chance out in the open. Deadshot took aim and shot one shooter who quickly fell off the roof and landed on the ground in front of them. “He isn’t dead Colonel. Do you want to question him?” “There isn’t time. It’s obvious that the person we were sent after was tipped off to our presence and is long gone by now. The mission’s over.” Flagg said. Deadshot looked down at the man bleeding at his feet and took aim, putting a bullet right between the eyes. “Stick with me.” Hellhound motioned toward Signalman as Vixen and Manhunter moved past them. “This mission was doomed from the start I tell you. There’s no way they are gonna let us go after this. We need to get out of here while they are still distracted.” “So what do we…” Signalman began to ask before the warehouse behind them blew up. The shockwave sent Signalman and Hellhound through the air. Hellhound landed about thirty feet away on the docks. He slowly rose to his feet. He quickly assessed that he had a broken arm, several cracked ribs, and his right ankle was severely sprained. After each assessment he mentally locked each injury away in his mind blocking the pain. He looked around and saw Signalman lying on his back ten feet away. No one else was around them as the warehouse fire began to spread to the nearby buildings. He limped over toward Signalman. As he got closer, he noticed the awkward position his body was in and knew that the blast caused more severe damage then it had, to Hellhound. “I can’t see!” Signalman gasped out. “Is anyone there?” Hellhound leaned down next to him. “I am here.” “Hellhound? Bless you kind sir! I can’t move my legs and I can’t see! Please get me out of here! I am so afraid.” “Yes of course, but in case you don’t make it, you must tell me the location of the gold!” “The gold? If I tell you, you must promise to take me away from here.” “I promise you will go to a better place.” Hellhound replied as he leaned down closer toward Signalman. Barely able to speak Signalman spoke into his ear. Hellhound was confused and quickly grew angry at what he heard. “That doesn’t tell me anything you fool!” “That is all I know.” Signalman choked on his own blood as he spoke. “The other half of the location is only known by one other.” “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?” Hellhound yelled. “Where is this other person?” “On the…inside.” Signalman felt his chest begin to collapse. Hellhound put his head down closer to Signalman’s mouth as he uttered his last words. “Belle Reve.” Hellhound shook him but it was already too late, he was dead. “Son of a bitch!” He yelled out as he slowly stood up. There is no way he was going back to that place only to get tossed out on another fool mission. But what choice did he have when had no idea who the other person was. There had to be another way. And he knew just the person that could help him. But first he had to get out of there. “Hellhound!” He heard Deadshot shout from a distance. There’s no way he is going back with those psychos! He looked down at the edge of the dock and saw a small boat about thirty feet away, obviously belonging to the group that ambushed them. He pushed the pain back further into his mind and began to run. He knew that Deadshot had been assigned to shoot anyone who deserted a mission, but it was only thirty feet and I counted on the fact that Deadshot wouldn’t be able to get a clear aim through the smoke and flames.  Hellhound felt a single bullet hit his shoulder as he dove inside the boat. He pushed back the pain as he started the engine and pushed the throttle as far forward as it would go. He turned and saw Deadshot standing there on the docks. Hellhound flipped him off before he turned the boat north and headed down the coastline.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:56:40 GMT -5
Two days later…
Gotham City-
“That’s right sweetheart. I want to pay you twenty-five thousand dollars a week to attend Gotham University.” Noah said through his headset as he roamed through his office.
“You want me to pretend to be a college student and get close to a college professor who’s a cripple in a wheel chair?” Blythe Bonner, also known as the criminal Byte, replied. “Is this some friend of yours who is paying you to fulfill a sexual fantasy or something because I am not into role playing!”
Noah laughed. He was in the zone and his plan was coming together brilliantly. He was preparing for the time when Waller would push back after he threatened to expose the existence of the Suicide Squad to every major newspaper in the world. She would certainly come after him and when she did, she would only find an unsuspecting college professor with a shady background. But he had to ensure that the guy he planned to setup would look as suspicious as he had planned. That was where Byte came in.
“There is no hidden agenda or anything kinky involved. Get close to the man. Plant a few things in his apartment. Maybe even flirt a little. But make sure he is the right place at the right time.”
“Sounds weird to me,” She said hesitantly.
“Would it sweeten the deal if I told you that if you did this it would most certainly cause grief for your brother?”
“My brother huh? Well I am not sure how doing this would effect him, but that little bastard has it out for me as it is, so any chance to screw with him more sounds like a plan to me.”
Noah knew their family background well. A few months back Byte had used her brother Bernard’s powers to swindle corporations out of millions, until they were caught. Blythe turned on her brother and cut a deal with the police. She escaped from a minimum-security prison and he was stuck in Belle Reve doing hard time. Blythe had no interest in seeing her brother get out of prison and come after her.
“You’re a doll Blythe. I’ll shot you over the details later today.” Noah said as his other line buzzed. “Gotta go sweetheart. Bye-bye.”
“Calculator you gotta help me!” a voice yelled into his ear as he switched calls.
“Hellhound my dear boy! I wondered when you would turn up. Still stuck in Africa I take it?”
“Not sure how you knew that, but yeah, and I need to get back to America quick.”
“Last time we spoke I recall you saying that my services were overpriced and overrated.”
“Forget all that! If you get me home I am willing to cut you in on the biggest payday of a lifetime. I just need safe passage out of here first.”
“Not good enough Kai.” Noah smugly replied.
“Well, is one hundred million in gold good enough for you?”
“It’s a start. Where is this gold?”
“That’s part of the problem. I know half of the location but someone else knows the rest and I don’t know who. That’s where you come in with all your connections and all. Find the person and we get the gold.”
“And how do you propose I find this other person if you don’t know who it is?"
“I know where they are. They are locked up in a place I just got free from, Belle Reve prison.”
Noah stopped pacing as it took a moment for it to register what he just heard. “Did you say Belle Reve?” Noah glanced up at over a dozen monitors and smiled.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:57:47 GMT -5
One week after the Squads disastrous mission in Algeria…
Belle Reve-
Calculator watched the monitor as Bronze Tiger and Amanda Waller attempted to recruit Calendar Man. He had to laugh as he zoomed in on the blank look on Ben Turner’s face.
“Poor guy doesn’t know how to respond to that now does he? Good for you Julian. Keep those pompous jerks on their toes.” Noah spoke as he dialed a number.
Julian Day stood up as the guards came back into the room “You should have waited until tomorrow.” He called after Amanda and Ben as they turned to leave. “On May 28th, 1934, quintuplets were born in Callender, Ontario. They were the first quintuplets to survive infancy. Tomorrow would have been a much better day for me!”
Calendar Man turned and the guards escorted him out of the room. Once the door behind him was shut the guard spoke. “You have a phone call C Man.”
Julian looked curiously as the other guard handed him a cell phone. “Good show in there Julian.”
“Do my ears deceive me or is this the infamous Calculator? Are you still wearing that illogical costume with the giant numbers on it?”
“You’re one to talk about ones attire, but no the costume has seen its day come and pass.”
“Ahh, better days indeed old friend. So what do I owe the pleasure of your time?”
“I just wanted to say bravo to declining their offer in there and I want to offer you a job that might be more appealing to you.”
“I am intrigued my good man. I recall the good old days when we sat around trying to find ways to best the Batman with the Clock King. Now he has a costume that oozed style didn’t he? Good times indeed! What did you have in mind this time?”
“Well there are a couple of things, but first I want you to say hello to your personal assistances.” Noah said as Day looked up curiously at the two guards. “These two are going to be working for you from now on as you will need to be able to move freely throughout the prison.”
“You present an interesting deal, but I will only agree on two conditions. One, no more drugs. I am tired of the fog and having to act crazy all the time.”
“Done.” Noah replied.
“And secondly, I want a calendar. Something nice with pretty flowers and quotes from Jane Austen.” Calendar Man beamed.
“Sure thing Julian; anything to keep you from having to act crazy anymore.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:58:35 GMT -5
Later that same evening…
Belle Reve-
Timing was everything. And calculating when to make a move was something Noah Kuttler excelled at. The revelation that someone inside Belle Reve knew the other half of the location to a hidden fortune in gold meant that a few adjustments had to be made to his overall plan. The idea of blackmailing Waller was out for now. But Noah was still irritated that Vandal Savage was using his surveillance of Belle Reve for more then just observing Rick Flagg.
He decided that the time was right to let Waller know that someone had tipped off Deadline in Algeria, allowing him to assemble an armed assault team to ambush the Squad. That same someone was tracking the team of Manhunter, Vixen, and Black Orchid as the pursued Deadline to France. It wasn’t that he truly wanted to help Waller in anyway. He had decided that if it wasn’t in his best interest to blackmail her, the least he could do was mess with her in the meantime. And making her think he was helping her would certainly do the trick.
Noah wasn’t certain if it was Savage who was using inside information to track the Squad, or if it was Eiling and the Council. If it was Savage, Noah could cause him a little hassle in the process. Of course he calculated the risk of exposing himself in the process and decided it would be worth it. He already had Jack Marshall setup to take the fall if it came down to it. Besides it would be only a matter of time before Julian Day was able to discover who inside Belle Reve knew the location of the gold. Once he had his hands on one hundred million, the three million that Savages was dangling on a string would seem petty by comparison.
After making contact with one of the staff at Belle Reve, Noah watched on the monitor as the John Economos nervously dialed Waller’s room. A few minutes later Waller was standing in the communications room at Belle Reve. It was show time!
Two minutes later…
“The Squad is being set-up. You need to call them back from their mission.” Noah spoke through the digital converter that disguised his voice. He wanted to keep Amanda guessing. He wanted her to think long and hard if he was really trying to help or not? He knew from his observations that Waller wasn’t the type to sit still when others were in control. And he controlled this moment and took great delight in watching her squirm.
“I can’t do that.” Amanda sighed as Noah zoomed the camera in on her face.
“Well then you better start looking real hard for your leak. I will get back with you soon. If you need me before then, have Flo leave me a message on your main server. I will find it.” Let her know that he had some access inside Belle Reve without revealing that he had total access to the entire facility. That would be his secret for now.
“And if we do that who should we address you as?” Amanda said.
That was a question that Noah had asked himself when this scenario played through his mind earlier in the day. He needed something grand, something with flare. But also something that truly fit the role he was playing here. It was right then and there that the perfect name came to him in a flash of brilliance. “You can call me Oracle.” He replied.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 0:59:31 GMT -5
Two day later…
Belle Reve-
The Squad had returned the day before from its mission from Qurac. Their track record hadn’t been too good lately, with its second mission in a row that had ended in disaster. Noah found it comical that a group called the Suicide Squad often came back alive but the missions always seemed to die from failure. They should all be euthanized for performing so poorly out in the field. But damn it made good television when they came back! Noah watched closely on the monitor as Waller confronted Flagg in her office.
“There is something that’s still bothering me about that though. If Eiling was in bed with Marlo then it couldn’t have been him that sabotaged the missions in Algeria or in France.”
“Yeah, makes sense.” Flagg commented.
“Of course it does you big idiot.” Noah spoke to the image of Flagg in the monitor. “Eiling is locked up inside Belle Reve now. Noah sat back as a thought suddenly came to him. He wondered if he should contact Eiling. He would make in interesting ally down the road.
“So someone else wanted Marlo dead. Someone who was always one step ahead of the Squad in the field.” She paused as she leaned back in her chair.
“You are a smart woman Waller. If it wasn’t Eiling then who was it?” Noah again spoke to the monitor.
“You think it’s someone on the inside?” Flagg asked.
“Or someone who hacked in from the outside. Either way I will find out and I know exactly where to start looking.” Amanda pondered.
“You are still off the mark Amanda. But you start looking because I will be ready.” Noah waved his finger back and forth. He then watched as Flagg stood up and headed toward the door.
“One last bit of business Flagg.” Waller said as Flagg stopped.
He turned back around and faced her.
“After reading all the field reports. I have one question for you?” She said standing up. “Why did you kill Marlo?”
That got Kuttler’s attention. From what he had gathered, it wasn’t Flagg but Eve Eden who had killed Marlo, though he hadn’t been able to confirm that yet.
“I don’t have an answer for that.” Flagg said. “Is that all?”
“Yes. But as of right now you are removed as field leader effective immediately.”
Flagg didn’t say a word but turned back around and headed out the door.
Noah watched Flagg closely. It seemed that the tough guy was ready to crack. Noah flipped through the channels as he kept track of Flagg as he headed down the hallway and turned the corner. Waller would have to wait for now. Noah had a hunch that things with Flagg were about to get interesting as he headed toward the room where Dolphin was staying in.
He lost track of him for a moment but was finally able to pick him back up again to see Flagg lean down and kiss her on the forehead.
“Hi Dol. Are you doing better now?”
“That’s right Flagg you sure have a way with the ladies don’t you?” Noah said as he tapped his finger on the monitor.
“I am sorry for the way I acted.” She whispered as a tear ran down her cheek.
“Hey, it’s ok. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. What you said then about how you didn’t think it could be me, what made you think that?”
She hesitated at first, as she lay there looking up at him.
“Because…” She whispered, “I saw you die.”
“Well I didn’t see that one coming!” Noah immediately sat back in his chair. “Maybe that’s the reason Savage is so interested in Flagg. Makes me think that the three million bucks is back on the table!”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:00:37 GMT -5
The next day…
Belle Reve-
Noah watched Waller sit at her desk tapping her pencil against a pad of paper. She sat there like a fish in shallow water. Now would be a good time to throw some bait her way.
“Hello Amanda.” Noah’s digitally alerted voice spoke through the speakers on Waller’s desktop computer. He laughed at the sight of seeing such a large woman nearly fly out of her chair.
She ignored him until she was able to compose herself. “Oracle is it?”
“That is correct. I gather that you’ve been hard at work at trying to deduct who the leak in your organization is.”
“Amongst other things yes, but I am a busy woman and I don’t like how you can pop in here anytime you please.”
Noah clapped his hands and chuckled to himself. He did love having the ability to mess with her anytime he pleased. “Well I just wanted to let you know that I am only here to help you and in time you will come to see how useful I can be.”
“Really? Why don’t you begin with telling me who you are and why you have chosen to be so helpful?”
“Who I am isn’t as important as what I can do for you. I can tell you that you are looking in the wrong foxhole for your leak and there will most certainly be consequences if you, or anyone residing at Belle Reve, attempts to locate me.”
“You are one smug son of a bitch aren’t you?” Waller broke the pencil in her hand.
“Well I guess it is true that we can smell our own kind. Oracle out.”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:01:23 GMT -5
Later that same day…
Calendar Man waited as the guard opened the door to the cell. When the door had completely opened, Calendar Man entered the small 8x10 cell and immediately addressed the man lying in the bed. “Good evening kind sir.”
The man barely looked up as Julian sat down across from him. “That didn’t take long did it? Phil has been dead less then two weeks and here you are poking around looking for more volunteers to shove in a body bag. Well you can forget it! After seeing how Signalman exited this life I prefer to stay put. No crazy top secret missions for me.”
“Are you finished?” Calendar Man smiled, “Ok good. I believe that you are mistaken on whom I represent here this evening and why I am here. I am authorized to give you a deal. Anything you want in exchange for the other half of the location of the gold treasure.”
The man looked at him as he tried to hide his disbelief. “So Phil gave me up before he died it seems.”
“No. Finding you proved to be slightly more difficult then I had first imagined. But for being a prison where majority of the inmates are locked in solitary confinement you’d be surprised at how strong the grapevine is. That is how I found you, Kadaver.”
“Well if you know who I am then you most certainly know that I could kill you without exerting an ounce of effort.” Kadaver flashed a grin at Julian.
“Oh my dear man you must realize that if I had the ability to enter your cell so freely then the people on the other side of that door would quickly come to my aid if any harm were to be inflicted upon me. Now if you’re finished playing, Lestat, lets get down to business shall we? What do you require for the location of the gold?”
Kadaver continued to stare at Calendar Man as he attempted to remain unfazed. “I want out of here. And I want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the escape is fool proof. Then and only then will I lead your boss to the gold. From there he gets the same deal I had with Phil. Fifty-fifty, right down the middle.”
Calendar Man stood up and brushed his hands across the front of his pants. “Very well then. I will present your offer and you will be contacted once a suitable test can be arranged. Good evening sir.”
The door slide open and Calendar Man bowed before he exited the cell.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:02:07 GMT -5
Several hours later…
After Calendar Man relayed his findings to Calculator, Noah quickly got to work on a plan that would demonstrate to Kadaver that he would be able to escape Belle Reve without getting caught. The plan itself would be simple enough using the detailed layout out of the prison he had previously obtained from his fellow associate, Lockup. Getting into the prison would be easy. Next would be finding a straightforward escape route while avoiding the all but certain interference from the Suicide Squad. For that he needed to get in touch with a washed up has been of a villain who once called himself the Cosmic King. He had been a very book-smart man but never had a solid vision on how to achieve his goals. Noah knew that he was always desperate for some quick cash and he could buy his cosmic teleportation device off of him cheap.
The part of the plan that presented the biggest challenge would be finding a volunteer who would be dim-witted enough to break into a prison but still have the skill to pull it off.
He decided to put that decision off for the moment and concentrate on who would be a good candidate to breakout of Belle Reve since he needed a volunteer of sorts. He sat down and scrolled through the inmate records. It would have to be someone who would be the most grateful for their release, someone who would remain indebted to him for a long time. After a few minutes he stopped when he came across the perfect person, Natalia Knight, Nocturna.
Noah had long been secretly in love with her ever since he saw her and her brother tangle with Batman a few years back. Her elegance and grace captivated him instantly. Her brother, on the other hand, was a very unstable individual who was obsessive and became emotionally unhinged at the thought of another man near his sister. That became more then apparent when Nocturna expressed a romantic interest in the Dark Knight. That had sent the Night-thief over the edge leading to the formation of another costumed identity, the Nightslayer. Ultimately after a late night robbery Batman captured Nocturna while Nightslayer managed to escape.
Everything clicked into place in Noah’s mind. Not only had he found the perfect person who would break Nocturna out, but he also knew how to remove Nightslayer for the picture entirely, leaving her to focus her attention completely on him.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:02:53 GMT -5
The following day…
Calculator continued to observe as Waller went through the motions exactly like he thought she would. She pulled Bernard Bonner out of his cell and offered him a deal. He would use his abilities to trace Oracle to his source. In turn that would lead Bug directly to Jack Marshall where Bugs sister, Blythe had been playing the role of flirty college student to perfection, ensuring that Jack Marshall would be apprehended and taken to Belle Reve.
Noah watched closely as Bug returned eager to tell Waller ‘Oracles’ location. In return he expected Waller to use all her resources to track down Blythe Bonner and see to it that she was locked up in a cell next to his. Of course Waller had no intention of following through with her end of the bargain. Ironically Bug never considered that Waller lied, nor did he realize how close he had gotten to Blythe himself. The stupid idiot deserved to be locked back up in his cell.
Noah watched as a dumbfounded Bug was taken away and Waller picked up the phone. She called in a favor to the FBI to have Marshall brought in for questioning at Belle Reve.
That was his cue to prepare the next step in his plan. Noah turned and dialed a direct line at Belle Reve.
“Tell Julian to deliver the message to Boomerang. It’s time to infiltrate the Suicide Squad.”
Noah Kuttler stood up and looked out across the Gotham City skyline. The waiting had proven to be harder then juggling two schemes at the same time. But the waiting would soon be over. Once he had proven to Kadaver that he could successfully break him out of Belle Reve he would contact Hellhound and arrange for him to break Kadaver out and send them after the gold.
Once the gold was secured and Waller had seen how foolish she had been to go after him he decided he would blackmail her anyway. And just for the fun of it, he would reveal the existence of the Squad whether she chose to pay or not.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:03:26 GMT -5
Two days later…
At dawn Nightslayer broke into Belle Reve dressed as the Batman. It had been far too easy to manipulate him into rescuing his sister. Little did Anthon Knight know that the plan all along was for her to escape while he was left behind to take the fall. Noah had been pleasantly surprised that Nocturna was willing to go along with the plan when Noah had Calendar Man contact her the previous day.
By nightfall Nocturna was on her way to Gotham City and Nightslayer was in a holding cell. Noah wasn’t worried if he told anyone at Belle Reve the details of the plan or who arranged it, because he never had any direct contact with Nightslayer when he arranged for him to break his sister out. Even if he did he was too messed up in the head to give them any solid leads. Besides in the morning Waller will be too distracted to even care. Jack Marshall will be wheeled into Belle Reve leading Amanda Waller to believe she has captured the infamous Oracle.
As the Calculator was too busy basking in his imminent victory, the live feed on another monitor showed Rick Flagg in San Diego as he finally revealed the secret that Vandal Savage had been so desperate to discover.
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:03:59 GMT -5
The following morning…
Noah ate breakfast as he watched Jack Marshall be interrogated by Waller. It was hard not to feel sorry for the guy. His only crime being that he fit the profile and had been in the wrong place at the right time. Noah raised his piece of toast as he saluted him.
After Waller sent Marshall to a holding cell Noah flipped over to another feed to see Calendar Man make his offer to Boomerang.
“You are the only one who can get close enough. Then perhaps we can work on taking care of some of the other menaces who roam the Belle’s halls, namely Floyd Lawton.” Calendar Man said to Boomerang.
“There you go, crazy man. Push the Deadshot button. Perfect.” Noah said as he again raised a piece of toast in salute.
“Forget it. If the Wall catches wind of this, we’re all dead.”
“Mrs. Waller will continue to be preoccupied with other matters. But if you need to be convinced of the seriousness of the offer…” Julian Day paused as he pulled out a folded piece of paper and set it in front of Boomerang. “Here are five hundred thousand reasons to reconsider. The money is already in an offshore account with your name on it.”
“I think you and I can have a go at this.” Boomerang said as he carefully studied the bank transfer notice. He began to smile as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. “Who do you want dead?”
Noah dropped his fork on his plate and pumped his fist in the air “Perfect. Marshall should be dead within the hour. We’ll see how Queen Waller likes them apples!”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:04:35 GMT -5
After a long hot shower Noah sat back down to rewind what he may have missed on the live feeds. He stopped when he saw Waller rip into her head of security, Daniel Murphy.
“Poor guy. He shouldn’t have to put up with her abuse. But at least I pay him well.” Noah continued to fast forward until he came to Boomerang exiting Jack Marshall’s cell. “Good boy Boomerang. I might even consider paying you for real now.”
After catching up to real time events Noah sat back and watched Waller in her office. “Within the hour Murphy will inform that stupid twit of a warden, who will then call Waller to informer her that Marshall was found dead in his cell.”
“Do you get any satisfaction talking to the television like that?” A woman’s voice said from the doorway.
“Nocturna darling! You have arrived.” Noah stood up and walked toward her.
“Of course. It’s the least I could do considering the lengths you went through to see that I was released.” She embraced him. “Later I must show you how much I appreciate those lengths. But for now you have to fill me in on what is so fascinating on those video screens.”
“Sweetheart, it’s been one hell of a good season so far! And the season finale is coming up real soon!” Noah yelled out gleefully as he took hold of Natalia's hand, “I hope they resolve everything by the end but you know those network bastards. They’ll find a way to throw in a cliffhanger to get you to come back next season!”
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:05:15 GMT -5
Like a small child at Christmas time showing off his presents, Noah explained his grand plan that had unfolded over the course of several months. Natalia nodded and rubbed his neck when he was able to sit still long enough. He stopped in mid-sentence when they heard the phone ring in Waller’s office.
He quickly sat down in front of the monitor as Natalia came up and stood behind him. “This is it! Just watch and listen.” He exclaimed.
“Waller its Economos! He’s dead Amanda. Jack Marshall is dead!”
“What? How?” She snapped into the receiver.
“So that’s the bitch that held me in her prison?” Nocturna asked as she gently tugged on Noah’s hair.
“Yes in her moment of glorious defeat!” Noah shouted as he reached over and grabbed his laptop.
“We aren’t able to pull up the video feed from his cell block but the guards found him with his throat slit during bed checks a few minutes ago.”
“Of course they don’t have that video.” Noah said looking up at Nocturna, “I deleted it from their system so I have the only copy.”
“I want this place lit up and locked down now! I will be down there in two minutes. Oh and John, make sure Murphy is somewhere I can’t find him or he’s a dead man as well!” Waller yelled before slamming the phone down.
“You really pissed her off haven’t you darling?” Nocturna whispered in his ear.
“Now I drive home the final nail.” Noah said as he began to type on the laptop.
They watched as Waller pushed her chair back and began to stand up when she heard her computer ding and a message box appeared on her monitor.
“You picked up the wrong guy Amanda.” The message blinked in front of her. “I told you there should be no attempts to try and find me. Now an innocent man is dead. This will be your one and only warning. Next time I won’t play so nice.”
Amanda reached out and knocked the computer monitor off her desk. Noah closed the laptop in victory. He stood up and wrapped his arms around Nocturna. Everything about her captivated him and she was all his. Everything he ever dreamed of was coming true. Everything! It was good to be the king!
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:06:48 GMT -5
The next afternoon…
Noah slowly rose out of bed. He had spent the entire night celebrating his victory over Waller and had slept in later then he had planned. He walked over and put his headset on and sat down in front of the video feeds. He was quickly drawn to a panicky Calendar Man who nervously paced back in forth in his small cell.
“What the hell has him so riled up?” Noah uttered as he connected directly to Julian’s room. “Julian what’s the matter?”
“Everything is the matter! It’s like Friday the thirteenth and leap year all happening on the same day, which is impossible right?” Calendar Man began to yell as he looked up at the video camera in the corner of his cell.
“Slow down your not making any sense.”
“You know what doesn’t make sense? Kadaver is dead!”
“What? How?” Noah shot up out of his chair.
“I went to talk to him just like you asked, and when I got to his cell he was dead! And I found this!” Julian shoved a book up toward the camera shaking it back and forth, “You know what this is? It’s Kadavers journal with several pages torn out and a message in big bold letter across the front!”
Julian stopped moving the book long enough for Noah to make out the words:
KADAVER CASHED OUT. THERE’S A NEW PLAYER AT THE TABLE NOW. ANTE UP!
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Post by Romans Empire on Mar 30, 2007 1:08:16 GMT -5
To be continued in Suicide Annual #1.5!
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Post by mockingbird on Aug 8, 2011 13:32:38 GMT -5
To let us know what you think of this issue, please visit the letters page here!
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